Trans tunnel, firewall insulation R/R...need to remove the dash?

[71ZZZZZ]

I'm rounding the bend on the interior refurb on my 4/71, doing rust treatment before repaint. I have the seats, carpet, jute, and insulation out. As expected found hidden rust and evidence of water pooling from outdoor storage (bad rear hatch seal, I think). Forunately I've found no rust-through, the insulation asphalt is so degraded in spots, it's flaking off by hand.

A few of questions, I did a search but can't find the specific answer:

1. Do I need to remove the dash to get at the front part of the trans tunnel and the firewall insulator?
   
2. I have the factory A/C option, if I have to remove the dash are there extra mounting locations for the evaporator or can the A/C unit move with the dash? (A/C is uncharged...)?
   
3. Can I pull the dash alone, or will I need a helper?
   

As always, thanks for your collective help.

[71ZZZZZ]

Found this:

Classic Zcar Club - Removing Dash and Interior for Paint

I think I answered #1...

[ajmcforester]

1. Do I need to remove the dash to get at the front part of the trans tunnel and the firewall insulator?

Yes if you want to remove all the firewall insulator since brackets bolt through the insulator. Question is why are you removing it from the firewall and want to keep the dash in? I can see removing it to put a new isolating material down. The reason is it keeps the heat out of the cabin.

2. I have the factory A/C option, if I have to remove the dash are there extra mounting locations for the evaporator or can the A/C unit move with the dash? (A/C is uncharged...)?

The AC unit is not factory to the car, the dealership may have added it to the car. This is very important to note, because some of the parts might not be mounted the same in each car as if it was done by the factory. The dash should be able to be removed without disconnecting the AC unit (minus some wire connections to the AC controls). The unit is attached to the fan not to the dash

3. Can I pull the dash alone, or will I need a helper?

I did it my self

[71ZZZZZ]

Thanks for the reply, I should post after more coffee...

I'm trying to follow the path of least resistance but I'm also following the rust. All I have left to get at is front trans. tunnel under the dash, firewall and rear deck. I need to replace the firewall insulator because it looks water damaged. I'll be doing a complete redo on the insulation/soundproofing. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting into a job bigger than I could manage in a weekend.

Right...the A/C was the dealer installed option. I was asking about the evaporator unit that sits in the passenger foot area. I assume it's bracketed to the dash frame somehow but I'll need to look under there to see how.

[Patcon]

FYI be careful with the AC parts in the footwell. I have found they can be brittle after 40+ years and are not easily repaired or replaced...

Charles

[ajmcforester]

The dash is a 4 hour job if you label everything from wire connections to each fastener. The blower is connected to the firewall, and the AC is mounted to that. Like stated be carefull of the parts for the AC or you might be in the wanted section of the classifieds.

[71ZZZZZ]

Thanks for the tips guys...doesn't seem like I'll get stranded on this project. I'll be sure to label and take pics along the way. I'll be as careful as I can, good to know a timing baseline...once the dash is out, will the car start? I won't need to run it, it will be going on a flatbed to the painter.